Speech Language Pathologists
Stephanie Boron, MS, CCC-SLP — Assistant Clinical Professor
Stephanie Boron is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with a passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces for neurodivergent clients and their families. She specializes in neurodiversity-affirming, child-led evaluation and treatment, and she has a special interest in gestalt language processing. As a firm believer that disability rights are human rights, Stephanie is committed to mentoring the next generation of clinicians to empower their clients and advocate for change in their communities.
Education
MS, Speech and Language Pathology, Northwestern University
BA, Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Leigh Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP — Assistant Clinical Professor
Leigh Cohen’s primary clinical interests lie in the areas of acquired neurogenic disorders including motor speech, language, cognition, voice and dysphagia. She is certified in LSVT Loud for both pediatric and adult populations, a SPEAK OUT! provider for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, and MBSImP certified to apply a standardized approach to the instruction, assessment, and reporting of swallowing physiology and impairment. Leigh leads a multi-disciplinary Cognitive Fitness program that promotes lifestyle modifications to promote optimal brain health. She is committed to culturally responsive care, patient advocacy, and health initiatives that serve the community.
Education
MS, Speech and Language Pathology, Duquesne University
BA, Speech and Language Pathology, Indiana University
Belma Hadžiselimović, SLPD, CCC-SLP — Clinical Professor
Belma Hadžiselimović’s work focuses on neurogenic communication disorders, bilingualism, and preparing clinicians to serve diverse communities. She co-leads the Northwestern University Aphasia Center, where programming includes a variety of therapy groups, ongoing individual treatment services, and intensive programs, each customized to support meaningful communication and participation. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia.
Education
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MS, Speech-Language Pathology, Columbia University
BA, Comparative Language Studies, Mt. Holyoke College
Vanessa Hernandez, MS, CCC-SLP
Vanessa Hernandez is a licensed, ASHA-certified pediatric bilingual speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience serving diverse Spanish- and English-speaking pediatric populations. At Northwestern University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, she provides clinical services, mentorship, and education with a focus on culturally responsive care for multilingual children and their families. As a certified bilingual clinician, she is committed to preparing the next generation of clinicians to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care to bilingual and multicultural communities.
Education
MA, Communication and Learning Disorders, Our Lady of the Lake University
Post-bac, Speech-Language Pathology, Our Lady of the Lake University
BS, Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University
Elizabeth Lidov, MA, CCC-SLP — Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor
Elizabeth Lidov is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with extensive experience in private practice and speech-language research settings, including Northwestern University labs led by Dr. Megan Roberts and Dr. Marisha Speights. Inspired by her experience as the sibling of an older brother with disabilities, she is passionate about translating research into everyday clinical practice while guiding the next generation of clinicians to deliver culturally responsive, compassionate care that empowers families and strengthens communities.
Education
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Eastern Michigan University
BS, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Emerson College
Karen Kinderman, SLPD, CCC-SLP — Assistant Clinical Professor
Karen Kinderman specializes in treating adults with acquired neurogenic disorders, including aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia of speech. She focuses on cognitive-communication skills for individuals with traumatic brain injury, particularly those with persisting post-concussion symptoms. Karen is a certified SPEAK OUT!® provider and group facilitator for Parkinson’s Disease. She also works on speech intelligibility and professional speaking goals.
Education
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
BA, Sociology, Sonoma State University
E. Debbie Lee, SLPD, CCC-SLP — Assistant Clinical Professor
Debbie Lee is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and learning disabilities specialist. She has extensive experience in public and private schools and in home-based private practice. Debbie’s primary areas of interest include speech, language, and learning in preschool and school-aged children and the role of schools in providing excellent, equitable support for all children. In addition, Debbie is passionate about the importance of school-based speech-language pathologists as agents of change in schools.
Education
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Learning Disabilities, Northwestern University
BS, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
Elisha Boxer Magnifico, MA, CCC-SLP — Assistant Clinical Professor
Elisha Boxer Magnifico is a speech-language pathologist with clinical experience in the United States and abroad. She has run a successful private practice on the East Coast and has worked in schools, early intervention programs, and multidisciplinary clinics. Elisha has particular passion for supporting the entire experience of stuttering or cluttering for children and young adults and has the Ally of Stuttering® Speech-Language Pathologist Seal. She is the founder of Break the Blocks; an improvisational theatre program designed for teens and tweens who stutter. Her additional areas of expertise include advanced language development, language learning and processing, and executive functioning challenges in adolescents, as well as fostering functional communication and independence in young adults with developmental disabilities.
Education
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
BS, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
Sarah Penzell, SLPD, CCC-SLP — Associate Clinical Professor
Sarah Penzell’s primary clinical interests lie in the areas of acquired neurogenic communication disorders, fluency disorders, and accent modification.
Education
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
BA, History and American Studies, Northwestern University
Judith O. Roman, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL — Associate Clinical Professor
Judy Roman is as a speech–language pathologist and ASHA Board Certified Specialist in Child Language. She embraces working with very young children who haven’t yet begun talking and then follows them as their language and speech abilities grow and change. She has worked with a large early intervention team and is certified in Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT). Her experience includes owning a private practice and working in hospital and school settings as well. Additionally, she completed a year-long fellowship in learning and teaching. Judy‘s workdays are full of playing and talking with children, engaging in critical thinking with graduate student clinicians about therapy, learning from and with her colleagues, and moving the speech-language pathology profession forward!
Education
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University
BS, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University
Aaron Wilkins, SLPD, CCC-SLP — Associate Clinical Professor
Aaron Wilkins’ primary clinical interest is in the area of acquired neurogenic communication disorders and dysphagia (swallowing disorders).
Education
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MS, Speech Pathology, Saint Xavier University
BA, Speech and Language Pathology, Elmhurst College
Rylie K. Young, SLPD, CCC-SLP — Assistant Clinical Professor
Rylie K. Young is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with a clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology. Her clinical background includes providing speech and language services within a public education setting for preschool and school-aged children; in addition to, providing additional means of communication for children with complex communication needs (e.g. AAC). Additionally, Rylie has a heart for student learning and supporting the next generation of speech-language pathologists.
Education
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MS, Communicative Sciences and Disorders, California State University, Northridge
BA, Communicative Sciences and Disorders, California State University, Northridge